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Critics call Snapchat's filters 'racist'

Posted: 6:56 PM, May 17, 2016

Updated:2016-05-17 20:01:41-04

By:
Alex Hider

Kevork Djansezian

<p>VENICE, CA-NOVEMBER-14: Logo of Snapchat is seen at the front entrance new headquarters of Snapchat , the popular social network startup that lets users send each other photos that quickly disappear, November 14, 2013 in Venice, California. Snapchat recently turned down a $3-billion buyout offer from Facebook. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)</p>

Snapchat is facing criticism as some users are reporting that the social media app’s photo filters are altering their skin tone to make it lighter.

The criticism surrounds Snapchat's “lenses,” which digitally alter the user’s face to add elements or erase blemishes. Some users feel that the “beautify” lens is “whitewashing” faces, or implying that black and brown skin tones are not attractive.

This isn’t the first time that Snapchat’s lenses have faced criticism
. Last month, the company debuted a “Bob Marely” lens on April 20 — just in time for marijuana holiday 420. Critics accused the app of belittling Marley’s legacy and pushing blackface on users.

Alex Hider is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @alexhider.